The climate of Neuchâtel
Nestled in the French-speaking part of
Switzerland,
Neuchâtel has a marine west coast climate with warm summers, a climatic condition described as Cfb under the Köppen climate classification. Relative humidity, a significant element of the climate here, ranges from 80% to 88% throughout the year. The town is notably characterized by a considerable amount of rainfall across the year, peaking between
May and
August, with average precipitation values of 50mm (1.97") to 68mm (2.68").
Despite the consistent rainfall, Neuchâtel also enjoys a fair amount of sunshine. On average, sunshine duration varies from around 4.2 hours to approximately 9.6 hours per day from
December to
July. Notably, Neuchâtel's daylight availability fluctuates dramatically over the year, from a low of 8.6 hours in December to a high of 15.8 hours in
June.
Temperature-wise, Neuchâtel experiences a wide range, paving the way for distinct seasonal changes. The onset of winter brings chilling conditions with temperature falling from 2.5°C (36.5°F) in
January to -3.4°C (25.9°F) in
February, while summer temperatures rise quite pleasant, reaching up to 22.3°C (72.1°F) in July. Remarkably, the city also encounters periods of snowfall from
November to
March with the heaviest snow recorded in February.
The best time to visit Neuchâtel
Given its climatic favorability, the most recommended time to visit
Neuchâtel falls within the period from
June to
August. This period brings the warmest temperatures, marking an average high of 20.1°C (68.2°F) to 22.3°C (72.1°F), and the most abundant daylight, with an average of 15.8 hours in June. Additionally, despite being the rainiest months, these months also feature the most extended sunshine duration, allowing tourists ample time to relish the scenic beauty and outdoor activities that Neuchâtel offers.
The worst time to visit Neuchâtel
Travelers might want to avoid visiting
Neuchâtel from
December through
February. During this time, the city experiences its coldest temperatures ranging from -3.4°C (25.9°F) to 2.5°C (36.5°F). Combined with the least amount of daylight, averaging 8.6 hours to 9 hours, and an elevated level of snowfall, outdoor navigation becomes notably challenging for tourists.
Spring weather in Neuchâtel
Spring in
Neuchâtel, extending from
March until
May, is marked by truly diverse weather conditions. A gradual rise in temperatures occurs during this phase, escalating from 8.3°C (46.9°F) in March to 16°C (60.8°F) in May. Correspondingly, the duration of daylight increases progressively from 11.9 hours to 15.1 hours. However, rainfall escalates over the same period, concluding in May with the year's highest rainfall of 50mm (1.97").
Summer weather in Neuchâtel
Arrival of summer, from
June to
August, brings warmer temperatures to
Neuchâtel, averaging between 20.1°C (68.2°F) to 22.3°C (72.1°F). June and
July also see the highest daylight duration, up to 15.8 hours, providing more daylight hours for outdoor activities. Albeit the rainfall peaks during these months, sunshine duration remains generous at around 9 hours per day.
Autumn weather in Neuchâtel
Autumn in
Neuchâtel sets in from
September and ends in
November. Temperatures show a steady decline from 17.9°C (64.2°F) in September to 8°C (46.4°F) in November with the daylight hours reducing from 12.6 hours to 9.4 hours. Rainfall during these autumn months remains moderately high ranging between 38mm (1.5") to 41mm (1.61").
Winter weather in Neuchâtel
Winter in
Neuchâtel marks the onset of the cold season, beginning in
December and persisting until
February. During this period, temperatures range from a cool 4.4°C (39.9°F) to a chilly -3.4°C (25.9°F). This season also sees a considerable decrease in daylight hours, bottoming out at 8.6 hours in December. In addition to cold, this period sees sizeable snowfall, reaching the year's highest in February at 59mm (2.32").
Weather in January
Weather in
Neuchâtel,
Switzerland in
January is often cold and snowy, a common scenario for the outset of the year. A distinct trait is the high humidity, attaining 88% on average, coupled with relatively low visibility at 8 kilometers.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Neuchâtel still embodies winter's chill, albeit with a minor rise in temperatures from the preceding month. Detectable variations include a slight decrease in humidity to 86%, while visibility remains unchanged at 8 kilometers.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The weather during
March in
Neuchâtel,
Switzerland, initiates the transition into spring with higher temperatures and gradual reduction of snowfall. The monthly mean records a significant increase in both high and low temperatures, revealing a range from a low of -0.1°C (31.8°F) to a high of 8.3°C (46.9°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April weather further pushes the boundary of warmer days in
Neuchâtel. Less snowfall is characteristic for the month as the city shows steady signs of spring throughout. This month indicates the least amount of snowfall, with 3mm (0.12") on average, marking the end of the long, icy winter.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May commences the heart of spring in
Neuchâtel,
Switzerland with visibly warmer temperatures and nature in full bloom. A noticeable trait for May is the annual peak in rainfall, reaching around 50mm (1.97") on a 16-day average. Mid-year activities are in full swing with the increase in daylight, sunshine, and the disappearance of snow.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Coming into
June means the commencement of summer in
Neuchâtel, bringing in increasing warmth and prolonged daylight. The most distinct pattern in June is an upturn in rainfall, measuring the most annual rainfall at 68mm (2.68").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July epitomizes the height of summer in
Neuchâtel,
Switzerland, presenting warmer temperatures, abundant sunshine, and a lively atmosphere. The most defining element of July's weather is the peak in UV index at 5, indicating a higher intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Weather in July » Weather in August
With
August entering,
Neuchâtel maintains its summer spirit, although an expectation of slight changes starts to surface. The weather shows a narrow difference in maximum and minimum temperatures, specifically from 22.2°C (72°F) to 11.4°C (52.5°F).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September welcomes the early onset of autumn in
Neuchâtel,
Switzerland, characterized by balanced rainfall, pleasant temperatures, and gradually shortening daylight hours. This month experiences a considerable drop in temperature, averaging from 8.1°C (46.6°F) to 17.9°C (64.2°F) in comparison to
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Neuchâtel brings along a distinctive autumnal chill accompanied by a variety of colorful landscapes. The signature element of this month is slightly cool temperatures, being from 4.5°C (40.1°F) to 13.5°C (56.3°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
As temperatures begin to plummet in
November, the weather in
Neuchâtel throws into the transition from autumn to approaching winter. November is characterized by substantial snowfall of 29mm (1.14"), offering evidence of the impending winter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Arriving at the year's close,
December reembraces the frigid winter conditions in
Neuchâtel. The weather is defined by its lowest temperatures of the year, fluctuating from -1.6°C (29.1°F) to 4.4°C (39.9°F). Snow begins to cover the city, transforming it into a winter wonderland attracting winter sports enthusiasts.
Weather in December » [Resources]